Today I have a book that will ring true to kids who have a bittersweet life in middle school. Victoria Jamieson is the author of the Newbery Honor book Roller Girl and her latest adventure is also exploring growing up through the eyes of a tween girl. But this time she shakes things up a bit by writing about a family that works at the Renaissance Fair. I’m not going to lie, I did have an usually strong desire to visit a faire after reading this book.

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Title: All’s Faire in Middle School

Author: Victoria Jamieson

Target: Grades 4-7

Series: No

What this book is about:

In this graphic novel, Imogene has been homeschooled and she is about to start a real middle school. Her parents also work at the Renaissance Fair and she is training to be a squire in the fair’s performances. Starting middle school is hard enough when you have been in a traditional school all your life, but jumping into this new environment with no experience proves especially challenging. As Imogene learns the new rules, she also learns a lot of things about herself.

Why I love this book:

Ok, a book about a homeschooled girl who works at a Renaissance Fair doesn’t sound like it will have a broad appeal, I’ll give you that. But in the hands of Victoria Jamieson she allows Imogene to just be a girl who is navigating friendships, social situations and even family dynamics. I could relate to so many her challenges at that age even though I was a city kid with no medieval battle experience.

I like this author’s books because she lets her characters fail. Imogene definitely stumbles on her road to middle school acceptance and deals with her own failings as a friend. She has to accept her role in the problems she created which is a great lesson for all kids.

Methinks I would like to partake in a in a Renaissance Fair after reading this tale. I have to admit learning about the fair was really interesting and quite fun.

Who this book is for:

Great for kids who loved the author’s last offering, Roller Girl. Perfect for graphic novel fans who enjoy Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer Holm.

Final thoughts:

Just the right tone for middle school kids.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: All’s Faire in Middle School. A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.